Method and apparatus for artificial irrigation of flower beds and garden plots etc.

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for the artificial irrigation of plants and flower beds, garden plots, plant containers, and the like, whether indoors or outdoors. The irrigation containers are provided at spaced locations and at desired depths in the earth in the area which is to be irrigated. The dimensions of the containers are essentially less than that of the area and each irrigation container includes at least one hollow member extending through the top wall thereof and including a perforated bottom. The containers are filled with water so that the lower part of the hollow member is immersed in the water. The hollow member is filled with earth, and earth is provided over and around the irrigation containers so that the containers are entirely covered by the earth. The top of each container is provided with a plurality of perforations and the individual containers are connected to each other by means of sealed connection tubes. The plants are put into the earth above the container.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method for artificial irrigation of plants in flower beds, garden plots, plant containers, flower pots and the like, whether indoors or outdoors, said method comprising: providing a plurality of irrigation containers at spaced locations and at desired depths in the cultivation medium in the area which is to be irrigated, the dimensions of the irrigation containers being substantially less than that of the area to be irrigated,   providing each irrigation container with at least one hollow member which extends through the top wall thereof into said container and includes a perforated bottom;   filling said irrigation containers with water so that at least the lower part of the corresponding hollow member is immersed in the water in the associated container;   filling each hollow member with cultivation medium and providing cultivation medium over and around the irrigation containers so that the containers are entirely covered by cultivation medium;   providing the top of each irrigation container with a plurality of perforations;   connecting the irrigation containers to one another by means of connection tubes which provide sealed communication between the interiors of the containers; and   setting the plants in the cultivation medium above the irrigation containers.   
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one irrigation container is provided with a filler tube which extends up through the cultivation medium above the container to a level above the ground surface, and the irrigation container is filled or emptied of water, as needed, through said filler tube. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 8 characterized in that the irrigation containers are disposed with the upper surface thereof at a depth under the ground surface of between 2 and 4 dm. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 1 in which several irrigation containers are connected in series with each other, and only the irrigation container located on the highest level is provided with a said filler tube. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus for the artificial irrigation of flowers in flower beds, garden plots, plant containers or flower pots and the like, whether indoors or outdoors, said apparatus comprising a watersealed vessel containing water therein, said vessel having a lid and at least one hollow member extending through said lid down to a level in close proximity to the bottom of the water vessel so that the lower end of said hollow member is immersed in water, said at least one hollow member being filled with cultivation medium, said hollow member opening at the upper surface of said lid of the vessel and including at the lower end thereof a perforated bottom, the irrigation vessel being disposed in the earth under the area to be irrigated and the dimensions thereof being substantially less than those of the earth area to be irrigated, the top wall of said irrigation vessel including a plurality of perforations therein which provide for escape of water vapor from the water in the irrigation vessel to the earth above the vessel. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the irrigation vessel container has a filler tube extending through the lid to a level above the ground surface when the irrigation vessel is located immersed in the earth. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the perforations are narrow enough to substantially prevent earth particles to drop through said perforations. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of irrigation vessels are connected in series with each other by means of connection tubes for connecting the interior of the said irrigation vessels with each other to make possible a transfer of water from one vessel to another and which thereby provide an air space in the vessel. 
     
     
       9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the connection tube is connected adjacent the upper ends of the vessels whereby a transfer of water from one vessel to the another only occurs for a high water level in the first metioned vessel. 
     
     
       10. Apparatus according to claim 5 as used in combination with a plant container, wherein the dimensions of the irrigation vessel are substantially less than those of the said plant container, the irrigation vessel being disposed at a level at least half way down in the earth of said plant container. 
     
     
       11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the earth of the plant container is a cultivation medium comprising turf which is mixed with 15-30% by weight of an inert filler having a grain size of 0.3 to 1.8 mm. 
     
     
       12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the holes of the perforated bottom of the hollow member have an average diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. 
     
     
       13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said inert filler is 18-24% by weight and said grain size is 0.6 to 1.2 mm. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the irrigation vessel comprises a cylindrical pipe which is closed at both ends and have transverse slots extending along a longitudinal portion of said pipe, said portion forming the top of the irrigation vessel, and at least one hollow member extending transversely in said pipe and opening at the said top. 
     
     
       15. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the pipe is corrugated.